Reel and display stand therefor

ABSTRACT

This invention comprises a novel rigid lightweight reel adapted to have material, such as fabric cloth or the like, rolled thereon and means for displaying the reel of material on sale. The reel comprises a lightweight rigid rectangular frame means of a configuration especially suitable for die cast injection molding of plastic.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,727,751

Bloch et al. 1 Apr. 17, 1973 REEL AND DISPLAY STAND [56] References Cited THEREFOR UNITED STATES PATENTS [76] Inventors: g gf gi r fr x figg kfig 1,112,957 10 1914 Wilson ..206/

Filed: Sept. 5, 1969 Appl. No.: 855,711

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 756,898, Sept. 3,

us. c1. ..206/50, 21 1/44, 242/61 1m. c1. ....B65d 85/67, B65h /06, Bh /02 Field of Search ..206/50; 242/61, 73; 1 21 1/44 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 15,1 10 7/l907 Great Britain ..242/6l Primary Examiner-William T. Dixson, Jr. Attorney-Ronald W. Mayes ABSTRACT This invention comprises a novel rigid lightweight reel adapted to have material, such as fabric cloth or the like, rolled thereon and means for displaying the reel of material on sale. The reel comprises a lightweight rigid rectangular frame means of a configuration especially suitable for die cast injection molding of plastic.

24 Claim, 19 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAFR I 71973 SHEEI 1 BF 5 rlT " 8 j FI.G.3

l NVENTORSL ELLIOTT G. BLOCH m ERIC M. BLOCH XQMW M/ PATENTEDAPR 1 71973 SHEET 2 BF 5 FIG. 6

FIG. 5

FIG.7

. INVENTORF) 7 ELLIOTT G. BLOCH BY ERIC M. BLOCH FIG.8

PATENTEDPR 3.727. 751

SHEU 3 OF 5 INVENTOK; ELLIOTT c. BLOCH BY ERIC M. BLOCH FIG. l3

REEL AND DISPLAY STAND THEREFOR This is a continuation-in-part patent application of a co-pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 756,898, filed Sept. 3, 1968, and entitled Reels and Display Stands Therefor, of Elliott G. Bloch and Eric M. Bloch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to reels for rolling material, such as fabric cloth or the like, thereon and to display stands therefor. More particularly, this invention relates to reels comprising lightweight, substantially rectangular rigid frames adapted to have bolts of material, such as fabric cloth or the like, rolled thereon, and to stands for the reels for displaying the material on sale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of this invention is the provision of a novel improved lightweight reel suitable for having material, such as textile cloth or the like, rolled thereon. 7

Another object of thisinvention is the provision of an improved low cost discardable reel'that can be used on adisplay stand.

Another of the objects of this invention is the provision of an improved low cost discardable rigid lightweight reel for having cloth or other suitable material rolled thereon and that can be economically mass produced and transported, used for display purposes, and then discarded or reused again.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of an improved reel of the character referred to hereinabove and a support stand therefor that are of rugged construction, yet neat in appearance, and which can be competitively priced.

Another object of this invention is the provision of novel means for extending the length of a reel of the character described hereinabove.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a novel reel of the character described that can be extended to the desired length by the connection thereto of novel reel extension means.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a novel reel of the character described that can be reduced in length by the removal therefrom of novel reel extension means.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a reel referred to in the preceding paragraphs that can be mounted on a display stand with or without the aforesaid novel reel extension means being connected thereto.

This invention preferably comprises I a lightweight rigid rectangular frame suitable for use as a reel for having bolts of material, such as textile cloth or the like, rolled thereon. Preferably, the reels are made of lengths of 18, 23, 27, and 30 inches for respectively having cloth of widths of 36, 46, S4, and 60 inches, folded or doubled over and rolled on the reels, and then transported to retail merchants for display and sale. In order to facilitate the handling and sale of the bolts of material on display, the reels are preferably adapted to be mounted on display stands made for that purpose.

A preferred reel embodying the invention is completely die cast as a single unit by means of a plastic injection mold. However, preferably the reel is adapted to be mounted upon two vertically erect, spaced apart support pins of a display stand. The support pins are preferably fixed to a flatplate type base and thereby form a display stand suitable for setting on a counter or tabletop.

Another preferred embodiment of a reel embodying the invention comprises two coextensive parallel strut members preferably of high or medium impact plastic, having corresponding terminal ends thereof connected to an end member. Also preferably the midsection of the reel is reinforced by means of one or more cross members so as to define two or more rectangles. It is a desideratuum that the strut members be substantially rigid and inflexible against bending when a bolt of material is wrapped around the reel. Accordingly, X- shaped reinforcement means are integrally connected to the corners or fillets of each of the squares in such a manner as to divide each of the squares into four isosceles triangles.

Preferably the strut members and end members have a corresponding T-shaped cross-section and the cross members each have a cross-section that is in the shape of the cross of St. George. The cross-sectional configurations of the various members are proportional and sized to provide the desired degree of stiffness while being wrapped with material.

One end member and an adjacent cross member of each reel intended to be mounted on a display stand, formed with means for permitting the insertion of the display stand support pins described hereinabove.

Inasmuch as material widths have a tendency to vary due to the various processing and/or treatments to which the material must be subjected, reel sizes must also vary. Accordingly, it becomes financially burdensome and logistically costly to make and distribute reels of all of the various lengths. Each reel of different length requires a different mold that costs thousands of dollars. Moreover, for purposes of economical production, the reel molds are preferably ganged on plastic injection mold machines.

Therefore another feature of this invention is the provision of a reel of the character described modified to have reel extension means removably connected thereto without loss of the display stand mounting feature. More particularly, the novel modified reel can be extended in length without loss of rigidity and/or strength, and still be mountable over a pair of parallel mounting pins of a display stand.

The invention further resides in certain novel features of construction, combinations, and arrangements of parts and further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains from the following description of the present preferred embodiments thereof described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, wherein the same reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a bolt of material, such as textile cloth or the like, rolled on a reel and stand therefor embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of a reel and stand therefor embodying the invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cross member of the reel taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

2 FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cross brace forming a part of X-shaped reinforcing means of the reel taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper end member of the reel taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a still further enlarged view of a portion of the end member in FIG. 5 for showing a detail of the construction thereof used for retaining an identification card in place;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the upper end member of FIG. 2 but with the identification card removed;

FIG. 8 is an enlargedcross-sectional view of a strut member of the reel taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 2, but with a display stand mounting pin removed FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of a portion of a cross brace forming a part of X-shaped reinforcing means of a lower segment of the reel but with the display stand mounting pin removed;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the cross brace portion-shown in FIG. 9, reduced in scale from that of FIG. 9, but larger than shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a lower end member of the reel taken along section line 11-11 of FIG. 2 but with the display stand mounting pin removed;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the end member taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a still further enlarged isometric view of that portion of the end member shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a reel and stand therefor embodying a modification of the invention including reel extension means, but with only that part of the reel shown that embodies the modification over the reel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of complementary portions of reel tube means and reel extension means taken along section line 15-15 of FIG. 14, but with the display stand removed;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reel end member and of the reel extension means end member taken along section line 16-16 of FIG. 14, but with the display stand removed;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reel taken along section line 17-17 of FIG. 14, but with the display stand base not shown;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view providing an upper plan view of the reel extension means taken along section line 18-18 of FIG. 14, but with the display stand base not shown; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an interlocking feature fo the reel extension means with the reel,taken along section line 19-19 of FIG. 15.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangements of parts shown in the drawings and hereinafter described in detail, but is capable of being otherwise embodied and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It is further understood that the terminology employed herein is for purpose of description and there is no intention to herein limit the invention beyond the requirements of the prior art.

Referring to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 13', a reference numeral 10 indicates generally a reel embodying the invention and having rolled thereon a bolt of material 11, preferably comprising textile cloth. The reel 10 is mounted on a stand indicated generally by the reference numeral 12. The stand 12 preferably has a rectangular base 13 and a pair of parallel, upstanding, and vertically erect mounting pins 14 rigidly secured to the base 13.

It will be understood that the base 13 need not be rectangular, but can be of any desired configuration that is suitable.

The reel 10 is preferably nonmetallic and of a unitary one piece injection die cast construction. The reel 10 is preferably made of an high impact plastic. The plastic can be of any desired color, but a light or white color is considered preferable.

More particularly, with reference to the drawings, the reel 10 comprises two elongated parallel strut members 16 and 17 that are coextensive with each other and are integrally connected together by two coextensive upper and lower end members 18 and 19, three X- shaped reinforcing means indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, and two coextensive reinforcement cross members 21 and 22. The upper and lower end members 18 and 19, and cross members 21 and 22 are disposed parallel to each other and perpendicular to the strut members 16 and 17 The strut members 16 and 17 and the end members 18 and 19 have a T-shaped cross-section as shown in FIG. 8. The cross members 21 and 22 have a cross-section substantially in the shape of the cross of St. George, FIG. 3.

The reel 10 has an annular outer periphery 24 of a substantially rectangular configuration, but with the comers broken, slightly rounded, .or arcuate. As seen in FIG. 12, the leg of the T comprises a planar inwardly extending flange 25 thatextends upwardly along the strut member 16, along the cross member 21, and downwardly along the strut member 17 in a U-shaped configuration. A similar flange 26 extends downwardly along the strut member 16, along the end member 18, and upwardly along the strut member 17 in a U-shaped configuration.

The width of the flanges 25 and 26 are of approximately two-thirds the width of the annulus 24. Although flange 25 has parallel sides, the annulus 24 from a midpoint on each side thereof is formed with a die cast mold draft or taper of preferably two degrees (2). Moreover, an upper and lower edge 27 are rounded for substantially frictionless contact with the textile cloth 11 on the reel 10. Also the corners 28, 29, and 30, 31 of the flanges 25 and 26, respectively, are radiused so as to eliminate high stress areas. Due to the presence of the X-shaped reinforcing means 20, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, the comers 28, 29, 30, and 31 are double radiused as shown in FIG. 2.

Likewise a coplanar flange 33 extends upwardly along the strut member 16, transversely along the cross member 22, downwardly along the strut member 17, and transversely along the cross member 21, in a rectangular configuration. The corners 35, 36, 37, and 38 of the flange 33 are radiused so as to eliminate high stress areas. Moreover, due to the presence of the X- shaped reinforcing means 20, the corners 35, 36, 37, and 38 are double radiused as shown in FIG. 2.

Similarly, a planar flange 40 extends along the strut member 16, the upper end member 19, the strut member 17, and the cross member 22 in a rectangular configuration. The corners 41, 42, 43, and 44 of the flange 40 are radiused so as to eliminate high stress areas. Again, due to the presence of the X-shaped reinforcing means 20, the corners 41, 42, 43, and 44 of the flange 40 are double radiused as shown in FIG. 2.

The upper and central X-shaped reinforcing means 20 respectively comprisebrace members 45, 46, 47, and 48, FIG. 2. The brace member 45 is perpendicular to the brace member 46 and intersect at their midpoints. The brace member 47 is perpendicular to the brace member 48 and intersect at their midpoints. The lower X-shaped reinforcing means 20 will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7, the upper end member 19, although it may have the T-shaped crosssectional configuration shown in FIG. 8, is preferably formed with an enlarged especially formed rectangular flange 49 for accommodation of an identification card 100. The aforedescribed periphery 24 is modified to have a recessed portion formed with a rectangular planar end face 490, opposed rectangular planar lateral end walls 49b and 49c, FIG. 7, and with upper and lower rectangular end'walls 49d and 49e, FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. The upper and lower end walls 49d and 49e, FIGS. 5 and 6, are preferably integrally formed with elongated ridges 49fand 49g having trapezoidally shaped cross-sections. However, adequate space is provided the end walls 49d and 49e between the wall 49a and the ridges 49f and 49g, respectively, for accommodating the insertion of the card 100 and for retaining the same therein as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

It will be understood that the lower end member 18 of FIG. 1 can be modified to have the same configuration as the upper end member 19 insofar as may be necessary to accommodate the insertion and retention of an identification card 100 therein. Accordingly, the identification card 100 can then be carried not only by the upper end member 19, but can also be carried by the modified lower end member 18, or by both, as may be desired.

Referring to FIG. 2, the reel is shown mounted on the stand 12 over the pair of vertical mounting pins 14. More particularly, the pins 14 extend through cylindrical passages formed in arcuately embossed portions 50 and 51 of the lower end member 18, cylindrical guide tubes indicated generally by the reference numerals 52 and 53, and cylindrical passages formed in arcuately embossed portions 54 and 55 of the cross member 21. The passages fonned in the embossed portions 50 and 54, and the tube 52 are coaxial.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the details of the construction'of the lower end of the tube 52 and the adjunction thereof with the lower end member 18 are shown. The construction of the lower end of the tube 53 with the end member 18 is similar to the construction of the tube 52 with the end member 18, but opposite as seen in FIG. 2.

The passages formed in the embossed portions 51 and 55, and the guide tube 53 are coaxial, FIG. 2. The guide tubes 52 and 53 are shown integrally formed with the bosses 50 and 54, and 51 and 55, respectively, in the casting of the reel 10. However, it is to be understood that the tubes 52 and 53 can be formed and installed separately, if desired.

The guide tubes 52 and 53, although tubular and cylindrical in configuration, are formed with cut-out portions so as to enable the same to be die cast. More particularly, the tube 53 as best seen in FIG. 2, comprises arcuate portions 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 respectively interconnected on either lateral side thereof by vertically extending parallel bands 70 and 71 of substantially the same width or slightly larger than the flange 26, FIG. 8. The bands 70 and 71 are of the same thickness as the portions 60 through 67, FIGS. 2 and 8. The bands 70 and 71 are formed due to the fact that the aforementioned cut-outs are chordal on the upper and lower sides of the tube 53, FIG. 2, and parallel to each other and are not diametral of the tube 53, as can be seen in FIG. 8.

Additional reinforcement and therefore rigidity is added to the tube 53 by means of a transverse brace member 73 connected at a midpoint of the tube 53 on one end thereof and connected to the strut member 17 at another end thereof substantially half way between the cross member 21 and the end member 18. The brace member 73 has a cross-sectional configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 3. The corners and edges of the brace member 73 are broken, rounded, and arcuate to eliminate high stress areas.

The guide tube 52 is constructed like the guide tube 53 except that the cut-outs are opposite to the cut-outs in the guide tube 53, FIG. 2. A brace member 74 has one end thereof integrally connected to the guide tube 52 at a midpoint thereof, and to the strut member 16 half way between the cross member 21 and the end member 18. The brace member 74 has a cross-sectional configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 3. In all other respects the reel 10 is symmetrically constructed about a vertical center line, not shown.

The construction of the lower end member 18 provides arcuately configured or embossed portions 50 and 51 that respectively function as extensions of the tubes 52 and 53, FIG. 2.

Similarly, the cross member 21 is formed with the arcuately configured or embossed portions 54 and 55 that respectively function as extensions of the tubes 52 and 53, FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, one of the support pins 14 when inserted into the guide tube 53, extends over the end member 18, over the flange 26 of the end member 18 but under the embossed portion 51, over the tube portion 60, under the tube portion 61, over the tube portion 62, under the tube portion 63, over the tube portion 64, under the tube portion 65, over the tube portion 66, under the tube portion 67, under the embossed portion 55, over the flanges 25 and 33, and over the cross member 21. The tube portions 60 through 67 as seen in FIG. 2, are alternately concave and convex. As pointed out hereinabove, the concave portions of the guide tube 52 are oppositely disposed to the convex portions of the guide tube 53, and vice versa. Accordingly, a similar description of the other support pin 14 relative to the end member 18, the tube 52, and the cross member 21 is deemed unnecessary.

Referring again to the X-shaped supporting means 20, FIGS. 2, 4, 9, and 10, the more specific details of the construction thereof may now be further described. It is preferred that the cross-sectional configuration of the X-shaped supporting means 20 be generally as shown in FIG. 4, except where the same intersect the guide tubes 52 and 53 as shown in FIG. 2. An enlarged detail of this latter construction is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 4' shows that the diagonally extending brace member 47 is generally of a rectangular cross-sectional configuratiombut with converging tapered upper and tional configurations of the brace members 86 and 87 are the same as in the brace members 45, 46, 47, and 48, with the exception of the portions 86a and 86b of the brace member 86, and the portions 87a and 87b of the brace member 87. The portions 86a, 86b, and 87a, 8712 have the general appearance of turnbuckles and lend additional strength to the members 86 and 87, respectively, and the tubes 52 and 53.

The portions 86a, 86b, 87a,and 8712 are almost identical, and only the portion 87b need be described.

As seen in FIG. 9, the portion 87b of the brace member 87 at the tube 52 is divided into two parallel, longitudinally extending wall portions 870 and 87d. A wall portion 87e partitions the space between the wall portions 87c and 87d to form two elongated oval-like annular walls 87f and 87g. Overall, the portion 87b has the general appearance of a turnbuckle. Alternatively, the portion 87b may be described as an elongated oval or loop with the space therebetween partitioned by the wall portion 87e. All corners are radiused, rounded, and broken to eliminate high stress areas. For example, the radii 87h and 87i are formed at the opposite ends of the portion 87b with the tube 52, where the latter intersects the former at an acute angle.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the structure shown in FIG. 9 for showing additional details of the portion 87b of the brace member 87 in connection with the tube 52.

. Preferably greater rigidity and moment of inertia is provided to the struts 16 and 17 by means of adding triangular fillet members 90 and 91 thereto, respectively. There are four fillet members 90 and 91 added to each side of the strut members 16 and 17, respectively, at the flange 40, front and back.

Similarly, there are preferably four fillet 90 and 91 added to each side of the strut members 16 and 17, respectively, at the flange 33, front and back.

Likewise, there are preferably only two fillet members 90 and 91 added to each side of the strut members 16 and 17, respectively, front and back, at the flanges 25 and 26.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, reference numeral 200 indicates generally reel extension means removably attached and in assembly with a lower end of a modified reel, indicated generally by the I reference numeral 300. Both the reel extension means 200 and the modified reel 300 are mounted upon a display stand indicated generally by the reference numeral 400.

The display stand 400 is of the same construction as the display stand 12 shown in FIG. 2. The stand 400 has a planar, rectangular base 401 and two vertically upstanding parallel support pins 402 and 403. The support pins 402 and 403 extend upwardly into the reel extension means 200 and the modified reel 300 in a manner to be described, but similar to the manner described in connection with FIG. 2.

The modified reel 300 is of the same construction as the reel 10 of FIG. 2 except for the differences pointed out hereinbelow. Accordingly, the various parts, portions, and members of the reel 30 are given the same reference numerals as in the reel 10 where these various parts, portions, and members are similar.

More particularly, the reel extension means 200 is of a substantially U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped configuration. The reel extension means 200 comprises a lower member 201 having an inverted T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The member 201 has upstanding, transversely extending flanges 202, 203, and 204.

At each terminal end of the end member 201 is an upstanding vertical strut extension member 205 and 206. Each member 205 and 206 has an I-I-shaped crosssectional configuration. The member 205 has an inwardly extending planar flange 207. The member 206 has an inwardly extending planar flange 208 coplanar with the flanges 202, 203, 204, and 207. The members 201, 205, and 206 respectively have coplanar peripheral flanges or rims 210, 211, and 212 of substantially the same width.

Thev flange 210, as seen in FIG. 14, is disposed upon the base 401 of the display stand 400. The flanges 211 and 212 are respectively coextensive with the flanges 207 and 204 and are adapted to abut against the underside of the lower end member 18 of the modified reel 300. 1

Additionally, the members 205 and 206 each have an inner upstanding flange 213 and 214, respectively, that form the other leg of the I-I-shaped cross-sectional configuration. It is to be understood that the members 205 and 206 are of the same height and can be of any height desired depending upon the length desired to be added to the modified reel 300 by the reel extension means 200. The reel extension means 200 can be made of any length or height desired and then cut or trimmed to suit the immediate need of the user.

Referring to FIG. 14, the display stand mounting pins 402 and 403 respectively extend through tubular guide means 221 and 222 of the reel extension means 200 and into the tubes 52 and 53 of the modified reel 300. However, the lower ends 223 and 224 of the tubes 52 and 53, respectively, are enlarged and modified to provide additional space for accommodating the introduction and interlocking therein of an upwardly extending member 225 and 226, respectively, of the tubes 221 and 222, respectively, FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

As best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the upwardly extending member 225 of the tubular guide means 221 is of reduced diameter and forms a male shank portion terminating at the upper end thereof in two bifurcated,

parallel prongs 231 and 232 defined by a diametrically extending cutgback or cutout portion terminating in an arcuate contour 239, FIG. 15. The prongs 231 and 232 each have a locking tang or barb portion 233 and 234, respectively, adapted to resiliently snap into and lock the prongs 231 and 232 respectively into two parallel, chordal, opposed openings or slots 235 and 236 formed in the lower end 223 of the tube 52.

The inside diameters of the tubes 221 and the tube 52 are the same dimensions and are large enough to receive the. coaxial display stand support pin 402.

7 As seen in FIG. 15, the wall thickness of the tube 52 and its enlarged lower end 223 thereof are the same.

The prongs 231 and 232 r can be withdrawn by pressing the locking tangs 233 and 234, respectively, together radially inwardly, and then simultaneously vertically separating the modified reel 300 from the reel extension means 200. Preferably, the outside diameter of the tube 221 is the same as the outside diameter of the lower end 223 of the tube 52.

The construction of the tube 222 and the lower end 224 of the tube 53 are identical to that of the tube 221 and the lower end 223 of the tube 52, respectively, and therefore the details of the construction thereof need not be described further herein. For example, as seen in FIG. 17, the tube 224 has two tangs 241 and 242 respectively disposed in opposed chordal slots or openings 243 and 244, respectively.

Preferably, all corners and edges are suitably radiused, rounded, broken, and arcuately contoured to eliminate high stress areas. Moreover, appropriate tapers or drafts of preferably two degrees (2) are provided as described with reference to the reel 10 of FIG. 2.

It will be understood that this invention can be modified to adapt it to various circumstances and conditions, and it is accordingly desired to comprehend within the purview of this invention such modifications as may be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed, is: pg,l7

l. A reel of the character described comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means being disposed parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first and second elongated strut member means, transverse cross member means disposed parallel to said first and second transverse end member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between said end member means and said cross member means and connected to both said elongated strut member means.

2. A reel asset forth in claim 1, wherein said strut member means said end member means'have a T- shaped cross section with a leg thereof forming coplanar inner flange means, and a cross bar of the T- shaped cross-section forming a smooth planar annulus of substantially rectangular configuration.

3. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said strut member means have a T-shaped cross-section with the leg thereof extending inwardly.

4. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cross member means have a cross-section in the shape of the cross of St. George.

5. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first transverse end member means and said cross member means each have two laterally spaced apart boss means integrally connected thereto with axial passages formed therein for accommodating the extension therethrough of two pins.

6. A reel of the character described comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof coneected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second elongated strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elonlated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both of said elongated strut member means, and said X-shaped cross brace means being connected to the corners formed by said first and second elongated strut member means with said first transverse end member means and said transverse cross member means.

7. A reel as set forth in claim 6, wherein there are two parallel transverse cross member means.

8. A reel as set forth in claim 7, wherein one of said X-shaped cross brace means is connected to the four comers formed by said strut member means and said two transverse cross member means.

9. A reel of the character described comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means having T-shaped crosssections, said first and second strut member means having T-shaped cross-sections, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between said end member means and said cross member means and connected to both said strut member means.

10. A reel as set forth in claim 9, wherein said cross member means have a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of the cross of St. George.

11. A reel as set forth in claim 9, wherein said first transverse end member means and said cross member means are formed with boss means having passage means formed therein parallel to said first and second strut member means for accomodating the insertion of at least one rectlinear support member through said first transverse end member means and then into said cross member means.

12. A reel as set forth in claim 1 1 further comprising a rectilinear support member guide means interconnecting said boss means.

13. A reel of the character described comprising, in combination with'reel extension means connected to the reel, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elon gated strut member meansand having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end connected to another end of said first elongated'strut member menas and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means being disposed parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first and second elongated strut member means, transverse cross member means disposed parallel to said first and second transverse end member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both said elongated strut member means. 4

14. A reel of the character described comprising, in combination with reel extension means connected to the reel for extending the length of the same, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel tosaid firstelongated strut member means, first trans verse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second elongated strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both of said elongated strut member means.

15. A reel of the character described comprising, in combination with reel extension means removably connected to the reel for extending the length of the same, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means having T-shaped cross-sections, said first and second strut member means having T-shaped cross-sections, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to .both of said strut member means.

l6. Reel extension means comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated st'rutmember means'disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, and transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means. 1

17. Reel extension means as set forth inclaim 16,

'- wherein said transverse end member means has ,two

laterally spaced apart boss means integrally connected 18. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16,

wherein said elongated strut member means have an H- shaped cross-sectional configuration.

19. Reel extension means as set forth in'claim'18, wherein said transverse end member means has a T I shaped cross-sectional configuration.

20. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 17,

wherein said boss means have interconnector means adapted to extend into an end of a juxtaposed reel of the character described for the purpose of extending the length of the reel.

21. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 20, wherein said interconnector means have bifurcated prongs with interlock tangs. v

22. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, wherein said strut member means and said end member means have a T-shaped cross-section with a leg thereof forming coplanar inner flange means, and a cross bar of the T-shaped cross-section forming a smooth planar outer periphery of substantially U-shaped configuratron.

13 14 23. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, parallel to said first and second strut member means for wherein said strut member means have a T-shaped accommodating the insertion of at least one rectilinear cross-section with the leg thereof extending inwardly. Support e ber through said transverse end member 24. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, l and thereby mounting Said extension means for wherein said transverse end member means are formed dlsplaywith boss means having passage means formed therein 

1. A reel of the character described comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means being disposed parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first and second elongated strut member means, transverse cross member means disposed parallel to said first and second transverse end member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between said end member means and said cross member means and connected to both said elongated strut member means.
 2. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said strut member means and said end member means have a T-shaped cross section with a leg thereof forming coplanar inner flange means, and a cross bar of the T-shaped cross-section forming a smooth planar annulus of substantially rectangular configuration.
 3. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said strut member means have a T-shaped cross-section with the leg thereof extending inwardly.
 4. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cross member means have a cross-section in the shape of the cross of St. George.
 5. A reel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first transverse end member means and said cross member means each have two laterally spaced apart boss means integrally connected thereto with axial passages formed therein for accommodating the extension therethrough of two pins.
 6. A reel of the character described comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connectEd to another end of said second elongated strut member means, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second elongated strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both of said elongated strut member means, and said X-shaped cross brace means being connected to the corners formed by said first and second elongated strut member means with said first transverse end member means and said transverse cross member means.
 7. A reel as set forth in claim 6, wherein there are two parallel transverse cross member means.
 8. A reel as set forth in claim 7, wherein one of said X-shaped cross brace means is connected to the four corners formed by said strut member means and said two transverse cross member means.
 9. A reel of the character described comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means having T-shaped cross-sections, said first and second strut member means having T-shaped cross-sections, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between said end member means and said cross member means and connected to both said strut member means.
 10. A reel as set forth in claim 9, wherein said cross member means have a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of the cross of St. George.
 11. A reel as set forth in claim 9, wherein said first transverse end member means and said cross member means are formed with boss means having passage means formed therein parallel to said first and second strut member means for accomodating the insertion of at least one rectlinear support member through said first transverse end member means and then into said cross member means.
 12. A reel as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a rectilinear support member guide means interconnecting said boss means.
 13. A reel of the character described comprising, in combination with reel extension means connected to the reel, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means being disposed parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first and second elongated strut member means, transverse cross member means disposed parallel to said first and second transverse end member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to saiD second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both said elongated strut member means.
 14. A reel of the character described comprising, in combination with reel extension means connected to the reel for extending the length of the same, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second elongated strut member means, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second elongated strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first elongated strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second elongated strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both of said elongated strut member means.
 15. A reel of the character described comprising, in combination with reel extension means removably connected to the reel for extending the length of the same, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first strut member means, first transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second strut member means, second transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to another end of said first strut member means and having another end thereof connected to another end of said second strut member means, said first and second transverse end member means having T-shaped cross-sections, said first and second strut member means having T-shaped cross-sections, cross member means disposed transversely to said first and second strut member means, said transverse cross member means having one end thereof connected to said first strut member means between the ends thereof and having another end connected to said second strut member means between the ends thereof, and X-shaped cross brace means disposed between and connected to both of said strut member means.
 16. Reel extension means comprising, first elongated strut member means, second elongated strut member means disposed coextensive with and parallel to said first elongated strut member means, and transverse end member means having one end thereof connected to one end of said first elongated strut member means and having another end thereof connected to one end of said second elongated strut member means.
 17. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, wherein said transverse end member means has two laterally spaced apart boss means integrally connected thereto with axial passages formed therein for accommodating the extension therethrough of two pins.
 18. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, wherein said elongated strut member means have an H-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
 19. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 18, wherein said transverse end member means has a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
 20. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 17, wherein said boss means have interconnector means adapted to extend into an end of a juxtaposed reel of the character described for the purpose of extending the length of the reel.
 21. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 20, wherein said interconnector means have bifurcated prongs with interlock tangs.
 22. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, wherein said strut member means anD said end member means have a T-shaped cross-section with a leg thereof forming coplanar inner flange means, and a cross bar of the T-shaped cross-section forming a smooth planar outer periphery of substantially U-shaped configuration.
 23. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, wherein said strut member means have a T-shaped cross-section with the leg thereof extending inwardly.
 24. Reel extension means as set forth in claim 16, wherein said transverse end member means are formed with boss means having passage means formed therein parallel to said first and second strut member means for accommodating the insertion of at least one rectilinear support member through said transverse end member means and thereby mounting said extension means for display. 